Abstract: A combination soap holder and utility shelf includes a series of ribs and spaces which drain excess water and residue thereby making it easy to grasp and retrieve soap and other bath articles even when wet. The soap-holder ribs slope first downward and then sharply upwards away from the back of the soap holder to hold the soap securely while allowing the soap to be easily grasped and retrieved in a single continuous motion without being lifted. In alternative embodiments, the combination soap holder and utility shelf may be recessed into, molded integrally with, or flush-mounted to a conventional bath or shower enclosure. An embodiment for deep walls allows the soap holder to protrude farther into the wall, making it possible to have a profile that is more nearly flush with the wall. Any of the embodiments may have ribs connected to a platform or tray that is removable for cleaning.

Abstract: A tank toilet with a ball cock, flap valve, or other type of flush valve that is opened manually by lever operating a chain or the like is retrofitted and also made to operate electrically by installation in the tank of the toilet of a float that rides on a substantially vertical shaft that constrains motion of the float. The float is connected by a floating chain to the flush valve. When the flush tank is empty or nearly empty, the float sinks near the bottom of the shaft, where it is held in place by a sear as the tank fills. A solenoid located above the water level is connected to the sear by a lever. When the solenoid is energized, the sear is withdrawn, permitting the float to rise on the shaft, pull the plastic chain, and operate the flush valve. The electrically-operated flushing system does not interfere with manual operation of the flushing lever of the toilet.

Abstract: A soap dish is made of ribs that are shaped to allow a user to pick up a bar of soap in a single grasp without lifting the soap over a rim or lip. The soap dish is also shaped to hold the soap in a stable and stationary position when the user puts the soap in the dish and to permit adequate drainage of water and soap residue. The ribs form the support surface for the soap, so that the soap rests on the top edges of the ribs. Each of the ribs has a portion that slopes up to form with the other ribs a valley that keeps the soap in the dish. The soap dish has a weighted base to increase its stability and a trough to direct water and soap residue away from the soap dish. The dimensions and arrangement of the soap dish are particularly appropriate for maximum ease of manufacture by injection molding of an acrylic material in a minimum number of separate components.

Abstract: A soaping device comprising a convention rectangular shaped bar of soap and a projecting member secured to the bar. The projecting member provides an aperture for receiving the user's fifth finger as a control point to provide a force opposed to the force applied by the user's thumb to the opposite side of the soap bar. The aperture is located both laterally spaced from the left surface edge of the bar and upwardly spaced from the central line axis of the bar. This point of positioning provides a control point which permits the user to manipulate the bar in a gripping fashion as well as providing a free and open area of soap for contact with the user.